15 Common Things to Stop Doing to Earn People's Trust

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Trust is the base of any relationship, personal or professional. It’s like the glue that holds people together, helping them work and understand each other. However, trust can be easily broken by small habits and actions that might not seem like a big deal at first.

Over time, these minor issues can grow and create big problems. Maintaining strong trust requires effort and attention to ensure relationships remain healthy and enduring.

Breaking Promises

When you make a promise, you are essentially placing a pledge on your integrity and accountability. Not following through disappoints the other party and damages your reputation. Each unkept promise communicates a lack of regard for the other person’s expectations and needs, creating uncertainty.

Lying, Even About Small Things

Even small lies can significantly impact trust. While they might seem harmless or easy to avoid conflict, lies chip away at the foundation of trust within a relationship. Once someone discovers a lie, it can lead to questioning the honesty of everything else said in the past or future.

Being Inconsistent

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People need to know that they can count on you. If your words and actions don’t match or are unpredictable, people will hesitate to trust you. Consistency in behavior is key to building a trustworthy reputation.

Not Listening

Not paying attention to others’ thoughts, feelings, and concerns signals that you don’t value them. Practice active listening to show you care about what others are saying.

Gossiping

Gossiping creates an environment where people feel unsafe sharing their thoughts or experiences. When gossiping, you reveal a willingness to talk about others behind their backs, raising concerns about whether you might do the same to them.

Overpromising

Committing to more than you can realistically deliver sets unrealistic expectations and often leads to disappointment. It’s important to evaluate your capacity honestly and communicate clearly to meet your obligations without compromising quality or reliability.

Being Judgmental

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Passing judgment on others creates a barrier in relationships. People who feel judged are less likely to open up or be vulnerable with you. Avoid being overly critical, and instead, try to understand different perspectives.

Avoiding Responsibility

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Blaming others for your mistakes or failing to take responsibility is a quick way to lose trust. Owning up to your actions, admitting when you’re wrong, and working to make things right will show that you are accountable and reliable.

Being Self-Centered

If people sense that you are only interested in them when it benefits you, they will be reluctant to trust you. Show genuine interest in others, not just when you need something, but because you value the relationship.

Not Following Through

When you commit to an action or agree to meet expectations, following through is essential to maintaining trust. Not following through on commitments can lead to feelings of betrayal and disappointment. It indicates a lack of reliability and respect for the other person’s needs and time.

Interrupting

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Interrupting conversations disrespects the speaker and signals that you prioritize your thoughts over theirs. Let people speak without cutting them off to show that you value their input and perspective.

Being Defensive

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When people bring up concerns or offer feedback, becoming defensive can shut down communication and prevent growth. Instead of reacting defensively, listen to what they say and respond humbly. It will show that you are open to improvement.

Neglecting Boundaries

Trust requires respect for others’ boundaries. Pushing people to share more than they are comfortable with or disregarding their time or space will damage the relationship. Be mindful of personal boundaries to create a sense of safety and respect.

Being Unreliable

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People need to know they can count on you. Being regularly late, canceling plans at the last minute, or failing to meet commitments damages trust. Develop habits of reliability by managing your time well and honoring your obligations.

Being Dishonest About Your Intentions

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You can come across as manipulative if you’re not upfront about your true intentions. Transparency is essential for building trust. Be clear about your motives to ensure others feel comfortable with your actions and decisions.